Rhys Ifans Joins "James Bond 23"

Rhys Ifans, who was recently cast in "The Amazing Spider-Man" as The Lizard, has now joined another high-profile production, the 23rd James Bond installment. No word on the role he will play.

"Ifans will appear in the film, as well as Javier Bardem, who will play the baddie," said The Telegraph. "Much of the filming will take place in South Africa."

Ifans and "James Bond" star Daniel Craig appeared together in the 2004 film "Enduring Love," in which Ifans played Craig's stalker and had to share a passionate kiss with him.

Regarding that kissing scene, Ifans said: "I spent the whole shoot winding up Dan Craig saying, 'Only four days to go now, Dan, darling, before our snogging scene.' Even now, after two Bonds, Dan still maintains that the hardest stunt he's ever done was getting to grips with my mouth."

Casino Royale was a masterpiece (the best James Bond ever in my opinion) but Quantum of Solace was very disappointing. Hope this one will be of the same level as Casino Royale. Great choice for Javier Bardem as the baddie. That guy is a very charismatic actor, and played the baddie so well in the Coens' No Country for Old Men. And he's also muscular enough to face Daniel Craig (unlike the small, unfit Mathieu Almaric in Quantum of Solace)